“I just hope that the folks up on the hill will provide the finances to push this forward”
An integrated Lisburn school is set for a major redevelopment with a “doorway to the community” pledged at its new facilities.
Forthill College will now undergo construction of a new post-primary and primary school as well as a nursery unit with sustainable travel as a key element of the designs.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s planning committee unanimously signed off on the Education Authority application this week.
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Agent for the applicant, Chris Byrson said: “Traffic around schools is just one of those things. This proposal will look to encourage more pedestrian use and traffic safety.
“It will encourage sustainable travel with 116 bicycle spaces as well as a dedicated drop off point for parents. Continuing education during the demolition and construction periods will be quite a challenge.
“It will be a matter of managing the accommodation of pupils around that time.
“There is some room to play with. This is a working document, so we might have to shift a few things around.”
School principal Colin Millar added: “When I was first interviewed for a teaching position at the school 10 years ago, the principal at the time talked about the plans to build the new school.
“I would, however, hesitate to say we can expand the school capacity as the numbers would be capped.
“There is very limited space on site, but the provision of education will have better quality surroundings and the community will also benefit from its use, which at the moment we cannot offer. The new school will provide a doorway to the community.”
A council officer alluded to the current school having been built in the “1960s” with the plans providing a new “21st century building” as well a new playing pitches to be accessed by the local community for sports activities.
Lisburn North UUP councillor Nicholas Trimble said: “I have no hesitation in voting for this. I will though have to go home and tell my wife our old school’s days are numbered.”
Lisburn North SDLP councillor Pat Catney added: “It has been a long time of over 10 years for this school to be built.
“The people of Lisburn North have a serious need for a school they are entitled to and to be brought up to modern standards as at the moment it is cramped.”
Downshire West Alliance Alderman Owen Gawith said: “I absolutely couldn’t find any cons with this application, but plenty of pros.”
Downshire West UUP councillor Alan Martin added: “This will be good for the city of Lisburn. I just hope that the folks up on the hill (Stormont) will provide the finances to push this forward.”
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